Quantum Computation
Kvantdatorer

FAFN41, 7.5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2025/26
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED F/Pi
Date of Decision: 2025-04-10
Effective: 2025-05-05

General Information

Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Elective for: F4, F4-f, F4-nf, F4-kv, F4-mtm, MFOT1, MNAV1, N4-nf, Pi4-mtm
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

The course aims at giving the participants a basic understanding of central concepts in quantum information science and quantum computing. In the course, quantum mechanics is used to describe information and computation. Special quantum algorithms are studied and experimental platforms for implementing quantum computation is discussed

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to explain the principles of single and coupled quantum bits
• be able to apply basic knowledge about quantum gates and elementary quantum circuits
• be able to account for the basic concepts of central quantum algorithms
• demonstrate knowledge about physical systems for the implementation of quantum bits
• be able to account for basic knowledge of errors and error correction.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to analyze the properties of simple quantum algorithms
• be able to carry out calculations related to simple quantum information processes
• be able to analyze experimental manipulation of single quantum bits
• be able to alone or in pairs carry out a project work regarding a specific problem task within the field.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to demonstrate insight into how the development of quantum information might affect the information technology area in the future.

Contents

Teaching consists of lectures, projects and laboratory work. Participation in course elements related to projects and laboratory work is mandatory.

The course consists of:

• Introduction to quantum mechanics and computer science.
• Superposition states and entangled states.
• Single and coupled quantum bits.
• Quantum circuits and universal quantum gates.
• The quantum Fourier transform, Shors algorithm of prime number factorization, and the Grover search algorithm.
• Physical implementations of quantum bits and quantum circuits.
• Noise, bit- and phase-errors, and error correction.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment:

To pass the course, hand-in exercises, lab report and the written and oral project presentation needs to be approved. Grades, 3, 4 or 5, are decided by a combination of the written and the oral project report.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0124. Name: Quantum Computation.
Credits: 7.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5).

Admission

Assumed prior knowledge: Linear algebra, basic quantum mechanics.
The number of participants is limited to: No
Kursen överlappar följande kurser: FAFN40

Reading list

• Michael A. Nielsen & Isaac L. Chuang: Quantum Computation and Quantum Information. Cambridge University Press, 2000.

Contact

Course coordinator: Andreas Walther, andreas.walther@fysik.lth.se
Examinator: Andreas Walther, andreas.walther@fysik.lth.se
Course homepage: https://canvas.education.lu.se/